Locum Consultant in Paediatric Ophthalmology
Applications are warmly welcomed for this full‑time, locum post in the department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, ideally commencing Autumn 2026. Initially the post will be for six months but could be extended to 12 months.
The post is designed to provide sub‑specialist and general paediatric ophthalmology care for children in the Bristol region (500 k population) and sub‑specialised care for children referred in from the surrounding Southwest region (1.5 million population) including patients cared for in the adjacent Bristol Royal Children’s Hospital – a regional referral hub for Paediatric Neurosciences, Genetics and other specialties.
Main duties of the job
Ideally candidates will have a paediatric subspecialty interest to complement the existing interests in the department. The postholder could join the Consultants on‑call rota if wanted but it is not compulsory. As the post has no surgical sessions, we could signpost interested candidates to other local providers of cataract surgery.
The BEH is a highly regarded Regional Centre for Ophthalmology which sits within the Division of Surgery at Bristol Foundation Trust (recently rated Outstanding by the CQC). BEH provides a local and tertiary referral paediatric ophthalmology service with close links to the regional Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and the two Level 3 neonatal units (St Michaels Hospital and Southmead Hospital). The paediatric and strabismus departments are supported by specialist orthoptists, optometrists, nurses and imagers.
Job responsibilities
For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities please refer to the Job Description document attached and contact us.
Person Specification
Qualifications, Training and Experience
- Full and specialist registration in either AIM or GIM with the General Medical Council (GMC) or eligible for specialist registration within six months of interview – Locum candidates do not need specialist registration
- Evidence of thorough and broad training and experience in Paediatric Ophthalmology including ROP screening
- Able to take responsibility for delivering service without direct supervision
- Up to date knowledge and experience of relevant specialty
- Knowledge of NHS priorities with reference to specialty
- Higher academic qualification e.g. MD, PhD or equivalent
- Previous Paediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship or TSC (Trainee Selected Component) in Paediatric Ophthalmology
- Evidence of a special interest and expertise that complements the department
- Broad range of IT skills
Clinical Governance and Audit
- Understanding of clinical governance and the individual responsibilities it implies
- Knowledge of the principles of clinical audit and evidence of participation
- Positive approach to evidence based practice
- Participation in continuing professional development (CPD) scheme with evidence
Research, Teaching and Training
- Knowledge of the principles involved in research
- Evidence of involvement in research
- Evidence of peer review research papers
- Experience of teaching medical students.
- Experience of supervising trainees
- Knowledge of teaching to a multidisciplinary team
- Ability to increase the academic profile of the department
- Formal teaching qualification
Management and Leadership
- Evidence of management training and evidence of learning from it
- Ability to organise efficient and smooth running of a specialist service
- Ability to cope with and effectively organise the workload of a consultant
- Ability to practice independently as a consultant
- Ability to take on responsibility and show evidence of leadership
- Ability to work under pressure and cope with setbacks
- Demonstration of knowledge of NHS management structures
Personal Abilities, Values, Aptitudes, Working Skills and Communication
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives, clinical colleagues, support staff and other colleagues.
- Good knowledge of, and ability to use, spoken and written English.
- Ability to present effectively to an audience, using a variety of methods, and to respond to questions and queries
- Ability to develop effective working relationships on an individual and multi‑professional basis with all levels of staff both within and across divisions
- Ability to be a flexible team member
- Ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances
- Awareness of personal limitations
- Demonstrates the 4 Trust values
- Ability to undertake additional professional responsibilities at local, regional or national levels
Other requirements
- Meets professional health requirements
- Willingness to travel to and work in other sites necessitated by the role.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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